Solar Case Study – University Of Wollongong

Energy Matters’ solar installation on the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) at the University of Wollongong and other features of the facility have enabled the building to become the first in Australia to be registered under the Living Building Challenge Program.

Pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, the SBRC is a net zero energy and water facility and a leading example of distributed energy in the built environment.

The Centre will provide ongoing research outcomes that benefit the solar industry.

The 150kW solar power system is comprised of two elements: a 120kW array on the office roof and a 30kW array on the north facing awning.

The system will supply surplus power to student accommodation during the day.

The unique design was honed to suit stringent criteria and the aesthetics of the awning array are an impressive example of the possibilities available to the solar industry when faced with challenging architectural designs.

Energy Matters has also partnered with the University of Wollongong to perform ongoing research that can assist delivering real world outcomes for solar in the built environment. Stage one of this research will evaluate various cleaning regimes on the 120kW office roof system, to determine optimal maintenance program under Australian coastal conditions.

“The University of Wollongong and Energy Matters have entered into a collaborative agreement for the provision of solar energy services to assist the University in reaching its sustainability objectives,” said  Lance Jeffrey, Project Manager UoW SBRC.

“Phase 1, comprising the installation of a 150KWp solar system has now been successfully completed. We are now working on further innovative solar solutions with Energy Matters. These include further solar installations, as well as the establishment of a research hub that will focus on directing research outcomes for the benefit of the University and the solar industry at large.”